WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012
Volume 11 Issue 298
Santa Monica Daily Press
ZOMBIES ARE COMING SEE PAGE 3
We have you covered
THE HAPPY HALLOWEEN ISSUE
Tourism bureau looks to hotels for more funding New fee would hit roughly 30 hotels in Santa Monica BY ASHLEY ARCHIBALD Daily Press Staff Writer
CITY HALL The Convention & Visitors Bureau has requested a new tax on hotel stays that would raise cash to allow the marketing organization to compete with other cities by promoting Santa Monica in new international markets. The proposal would create an assessment district that includes every hotel in Santa Monica with per-night room stays of $100 and more. The tax would go into effect Jan. SEE TAX PAGE 9
Saint John’s nurses ratify new contract BY DAILY PRESS STAFF MID-CITY Registered nurses at Saint John’s
names of the six school board candidates and Measure ES are higher than they are on the Malibu ballot, which does not include that race. The City Clerk’s office discovered the error when a Malibu voter called and compared the two documents, said Sarah Gorman, Santa Monica’s City Clerk. The supplemental pamphlets were mailed out in October. “We just want to make sure we get the message out to the Malibu vote-by-mail
Health Center voted to ratify their first collective bargaining agreement in secret ballot voting Friday and Saturday, union officials said. Key to the agreement are provisions that the nurses say will enhance patient protections, as well as economic gains, no reductions in nurses’ health coverage or pensions, and other contract protections that the nurses hope will promote quality of care and retention of experienced nurses and the recruitment of new ones. “Saint John’s RNs have come a long way in our fight for our patients and our profession practice at our hospital,” said Chris Busch, an RN at the facility and a member of the California Nurses Association bargaining team. “The new patient safety provisions and RN rights language will ensure the recruitment and retention of qualified nurses to care for our community.” Nurses worked for over a year to come to
SEE MALIBU PAGE 10
SEE NURSES PAGE 10
CREEPY CRAB
Photo courtesy Santa Monica Pier Aquarium A kelp crab gets into the Halloween spirit at Heal the Bay’s Santa Monica Pier Aquarium. The crab seems to have taken a liking to the pumpkin.
City Hall sends faulty voting materials to Malibu BY ASHLEY ARCHIBALD Daily Press Staff Writer
CITY HALL City and county election officials are imploring Malibu voters to stick to their county-issued voting materials when they mark their ballots after it was discovered that numbers in Santa Monica-issued materials did not correspond to Malibu ballots. The problem is confined to two voting groups in Malibu who participate in the Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District election. Vote-by-mail ballots include a voter
PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS HERE! Yes, in this very spot! Call for details (310) 458-7737
guide that shows the names of candidates or measures and a corresponding number. To vote for that candidate or measure, a voter bubbles in an oval next to the number that indicates their choice. Ballot positions for the school board candidates and a local bond measure in the Santa Monica Supplemental Sample Ballot and Voter Information Pamphlet released by City Hall correspond to a Santa Monica ballot that also includes the Santa Monica City Council race. That contest appears before the school board race on the Santa Monica ballot. That means that the numbers next to the
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Playing dress up Santa Monica Public Library Various locations, times vary Throw on your Halloween costume and head to any of the city’s libraries for a special treat. The promotion is intended for kids under 18. For more information and locations, visit smpl.org. Armfuls of pumpkins Downtown Farmers’ Market Arizona Avenue and Second Street, 8:30 a.m. — 1 p.m. For just $5 you can get as many pumpkins as you can carry. Organizers say you should stack and balance your loot to optimize the haul. For more information, call (310) 458-8712. Hopping for Halloween Montana Avenue 3 p.m. — 6 p.m. Montana Avenue is hosting its third annual Halloween Hop for kids of all ages. There will be trick-or-treating along this popular shopping destination. Some stores go all out and even decorate for the occasion. For more information, visit www.montanaave.com. Pal around for the holiday Barker Hangar 3021 Airport Ave., 5 p.m. — 9 p.m. Pal-loween provides a fun and safe place for kids to be on Halloween, featuring costume contests, trick-or-treating, games, fun house, picture booth and more. Cost: Free. For more information, call (310) 458-8988. House of spirits 1008 Euclid St., 7 p.m. — 11 p.m. The House of Restless Spirits will be open for business this Halloween. To ensure the best possible experience, guests will be admitted onto the grounds in small groups at regularly-timed intervals. Please be advised that wait times can exceed an hour. Visitors tour the grounds, guided only by their senses. In some areas, the path is dark, narrow and uneven. Those entering the property do so at their own risk. Children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit www.houseofrestlessspirits.com.
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Creepy crawlers Locations and times vary Time to put those costumes on and head out to Main Street and Wilshire Boulevard for the Santa Monica Haunted Pub Crawl. There will be lots of drink specials. For more information, visit www.ournightlife.com.
Ready to be scared? Santa Monica Place Broadway and Third Street, 7 p.m. — 1 a.m. During the month of October, the third floor of Santa Monica Place will be transformed into a hair-raising haunted attraction where the un-dead will possess three mazes: “The Infirmary,” “Insomniac Clown Playhouse” and “Granny’s Manor of Mayhem.” Spectators can also enjoy food and merchandise vendors throughout the night to compliment the main attraction, which will consume 50,000 square feet of what’s billed as deathly horrifying space. Cost: $24; $19 for students. For more information, visit paranoiahalloween.com.
Thursday, Nov. 1, 2012 The days of old Santa Monica Playhouse 1211 Fourth St., 9:30 a.m. & 11:30 a.m. Straight from England, the UK’s Playbox Theatre presents “The Story of the Jaguar and the Old, Old World.” It explores our planet, our environment and the need to protect and cherish it — told through collective storytelling and physical theatre. This is a unique production taking children deep into the world of the rainforest people. With music, movement and colorful design, the Playbox journey of discovery moves into a world on the brink of change. “Jaguar” is preceded by an on-stage workshop for the members of the audience, and is particularly suitable for youngsters between the ages of 5 and 11. For more information, call (310) 394-9779 ext. 2. Discussing obesity Santa Monica College 1900 Pico Blvd., 11:15 a.m. SMC presents “Weighing In: Obesity, Food Justice and the Limits of Capitalism,” a free lecture that challenges widespread assumptions about the so-called obesity epidemic. Giving the talk will be Dr. Julie Guthman, social science professor at UC Santa Cruz and an award-winning author, who researches the politics of food and agriculture and how they affect food production, distribution and consumption. She challenges many widely accepted assumptions about the obesity epidemic, including whether it can be addressed by exposing people to the “right” food. For more information, call (310) 434-4303. Artistic take on Day of the Dead Roberts Art Gallery 601 Pico Blvd., 6:30 p.m. — 8:30 p.m. Celebrate El Dia De Los Muertos with devotional paintings, alters and individual works in honor of the holiday. For more information, call (310) 395-3204 ext. 71441.
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In the Daily Press endorsements, which appeared in the Oct. 30 print edition, we should have said that Republican-nominee Mitt Romney’s home state is Massachusetts.
Inside Scoop WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012
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Assault suspect in custody
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has filed one count of assault with the intent to commit a felony and another count of attempted robbery against a 23year-old Whittier, Calif. man who allegedly attacked a woman in a Downtown elevator as she was making her way to work. Authorities say Anthony Tigran Arutunian followed the woman into ARUTUNIAN the elevator after she parked her car in a subterranean garage on the morning of July 11, 2012. As soon as the elevator doors closed, Arutunian allegedly physically attacked the woman, who was able to fight him off. Arutunian allegedly ran out of the elevator when the doors opened on the ground floor of an office building on Santa Monica Boulevard. On Oct. 23, Santa Monica Police Department investigators received information from the county crime lab that evidence collected at the crime scene was linked to a suspect listed in the Department of Justice DNA databank. The suspect was identified as Arutunian, police said. On Oct. 25, in the early morning hours, officers from the SMPD saw Arutunian leave his home and took him into custody. Prosecutors filed the charges against him on Oct. 29 at the Airport Courthouse. Bail was set at $135,000. The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact (310) 458-8944 or the watch commander (310) 458-8495. — KEVIN HERRERA
Marines, police prep for mock zombie invasion JULIE WATSON Associated Press
SAN DIEGO Move over vampires, goblins and haunted houses, this kind of Halloween terror aims to shake up even the toughest warriors: An untold number of so-called zombies are coming to a counterterrorism summit attended by hundreds of Marines, Navy special ops, soldiers, police, firefighters and others to prepare them for their worst nightmares. “This is a very real exercise, this is not some type of big costume party,” said Brad Barker, president of Halo Corp, a security firm hosting Wednesday’s training demonstration during the summit at a 44-acre Paradise Point Resort island on a San Diego bay. “Everything that will be simulated at this SEE ZOMBIES PAGE 11
Brandon Wise brandonw@smdp.com
BACK TO WORK: Independent movie posters cover the inside of the Loews Hotel during a recent American Film Market.
AFM returns to town BY KEVIN HERRERA Editor in Chief
DOWNTOWN If you see a bunch of strangers walking the streets over the next week, don’t be alarmed. They’re just guests of the American Film Market, the world’s largest where thousands of movie industry leaders from 70 countries gather to pitch their flicks in hopes of landing distributors and financing. Over eight days the attendees are expected to pump $20 million into the local economy, according to officials with the Santa Monica Convention & Visitors Bureau, which promotes the city by the sea abroad. This is the 22nd straight year that the market has called Santa Monica home. Organizers last year flirted with the idea of moving the market to downtown Los Angeles in search of cheaper hotel room rates and state-of-the-art theaters to preview movies, but in the end opted to stay with Santa Monica after marketers voiced their opposition. The American Film Market will remain in Santa Monica at least until 2017. “This city-wide convention brings many benefits to our community, including good jobs and an economic boost during a typically off-peak season,” said Misti Kerns, president and CEO of the CVB. “In addition, it allows us to
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showcase Santa Monica to highly influential international travelers who seek the creative inspiration our destination evokes.” To make sure those attending the market enjoy their stay, the CVB has partnered with local businesses to provide: • Complimentary Farmers’ Market produce at the market’s Buyers Lounge. • Hosted outdoor workouts showcasing Santa Monica’s “healthy lifestyle.” • More than 40 different specials, offers and discounts to local attractions, bicycle rentals/tours, shopping and dining. To learn more about market specials, visit www.santamonica.com/afm. As has been the case in previous years, both the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel and JW Marriot Santa Monica Le Merigot will be converted into busy marketplaces. All 23 screens on the Third Street Promenade and in the surrounding community will be transformed into AFM screening rooms during the daytime. In addition, eight digital and video screening rooms have been created at the Fairmont Miramar Hotel & Bungalows and JW Marriott Santa Monica Le Merigot. The market kicks off Oct. 31. kevinh@smdp.com
Opinion Commentary 4
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012
We have you covered
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Meredith Pro Tem
Send comments to editor@smdp.com
Meredith C. Carroll
Nickel and dimed Editor:
The other week your paper noted no complaints related to the new parking fee increases. Perhaps there are too many tourists in Santa Monica that don’t take the time to complain. This long-time resident is not happy paying $1 for 30 minutes. That is double the prior cost. How much money does Santa Monica need? It used to be a dime for eight minutes. Now it is six minutes. Who can do anything in six minutes? So you have to add more money to add more time, which then is double the cost. You should see those meter maids circle those six-minute parking meters to issue tickets. Those are golden meters for Santa Monica. The number of tickets they can issue every six minutes is impressive! What about having to wait in line, at times 15 minutes, behind visitors who have to figure out how to use the one and only pay station available? Why can’t there be more pay stations? Why do we have to be controlled like sheep waiting in line? While you are adding more pay stations, how about more stations with the cash access function. I hate putting a $1 charge on my credit card, stupid! What about the other meters where you can no longer pay for 20 minutes? You are forced to pay more money for an hour when you only needed 20 minutes. Again, less time and more money. I should not neglect to ask how many parking spots were taken away so that taxis and mammoth buses can sit in spots that used to be for cars? I am sure the city will not roll back the prices as they are greedy. As a local, I will do everything possible not to pay for parking; the prices are too high and do not accommodate residents. Another bonehead decision from our City Council! Greed at its best!
Nikki Tran Santa Monica
Romney the salesman Editor:
The recent column urging a vote for Romney because he’s a strict constructionist of the Constitution made me laugh out loud (“The most important election in history,” Your Column Here, Oct. 19). If the strict constructionists had ruled since 1789, Obama wouldn’t have been allowed to vote, let alone run for office. Nor would the wife and mother and daughters of the writer, if he has any of those types around the house. Romney has shown himself to be extraordinarily effective at “telling them what they want to hear.” It doesn’t matter whether the “sales prospects” are owners of acquired companies, or liberal-leaning voters for governor in Massachusetts, or Tea Party extreme-conservatives in the Republican primaries, or — as this is being written — middle-class voters for president of the United States. He has changed his tune so many times to tell these disparate constituencies what they wanted to hear that he no longer seems to believe in anything — if he ever did. He is a driven salesman who will say anything to close the deal.
Doug Hedlund Santa Monica
Run, Ronnie, run Editor:
According to the DailyPaul.com, Ron Paul is a certified write-in candidate for president in California (among other states). So if you write in Ron Paul for president, your vote will be counted — as was the case in 2008, when Paul received 17,006 write-in votes in California. Obama will win California by a wide margin. Your vote won’t help or change that, so there’s no need to waste it on a “lesser evil.” Vote for who you like best. If that’s Ron Paul and his pro-peace, anti-establishment message write him in!
Thomas M. Sipos Santa Monica
PUBLISHER Ross Furukawa
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The biggest non-issue in the presidential election IN
SUNDAY’S
NEW
YORK
TIMES,
Thomas Friedman made what is quite possibly the single greatest argument in support of life that has ever been written on the subject. “In my world, you don’t get to call yourself ‘pro-life’ and be against common-sense gun control — like banning public access to the kind of semiautomatic assault rifle, designed for warfare, that was used recently in a Colorado theater,” he wrote. “You don’t get to call yourself ‘pro-life’ and want to shut down the Environmental Protection Agency,” he continued, “which ensures clean air and clean water, prevents childhood asthma, preserves biodiversity and combats climate change that could disrupt every life on the planet. You don’t get to call yourself ‘pro-life’ and oppose programs like Head Start that provide basic education, health and nutrition for the most disadvantaged children. You can call yourself a ‘proconception-to-birth, indifferent-to-life conservative.’ I will never refer to someone who pickets Planned Parenthood but lobbies against common-sense gun laws as ‘prolife.’” No doubt some people will understandably be voting with their wallets when they hit the polls next week. And while the economy and other issues such as healthcare are, indeed, formidable subjects, it’s hard to imagine anyone who is a mother or wants to become a mother or who has or had a mother or wife or daughter or sister or niece or aunt or granddaughter or grandmother could possibly support Mitt Romney in light of how he so consistently, callously and easily turns his nose down on what should be a woman’s inalienable right to make very personal decisions about her own body. No one life is more valuable than another, but imposing a singular religion’s belief on what constitutes a life on someone with opposing views is highly inappropriate and misguided. Although Romney had nothing to say when a candidate he endorsed for the Senate in Indiana, Richard Mourdock, remarked last week that “I think even when life begins in that horrible situation of rape, that it is something that God intended to happen,” his silence was deafening nonetheless. (Never mind clowns such as Rep. Todd Akin, who is running for Senate in Missouri and made the utterly inane case not long ago for “legitimate rape,” or Illinois Rep. Joe Walsh, who idiotically said there’s never an instance in which a woman wouldn’t survive without an abortion. Out of deference to those with heartfelt arguments against abortion, the lunatics shouldn’t be lumped in with their cause.) Romney’s faith has nothing to do with mine. While I respect Mormonism, as well as Christianity and just about every other religion, I hold in highest esteems those who preach absolute tolerance of others’ beliefs and who don’t expect their god(s) and mine
are one and the same or that theirs is better than mine and therefore I should necessarily put aside my religious values or personal morals out of some sort of ass-backward submissiveness. Religion has no place in government, and Romney’s principles certainly aren’t welcome in my OB-GYN’s office.
ross@smdp.com
EDITOR IN CHIEF Kevin Herrera editor@smdp.com
MANAGING EDITOR Daniel Archuleta daniela@smdp.com
STAFF WRITER Ashley Archibald ashley@smdp.com
CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Brandon Wise brandonw@smdp.com
ABORTION ISN’T A POLITICAL ISSUE, BUT HAVING UNDISPUTED CHOICES ABOUT OUR OWN BODIES IS A LIFE ISSUE. AS IN, IT’S MY LIFE, AND IF YOU WANT ME TO VOTE FOR YOU, STAY OUT OF MINE. I solemnly acknowledge that there are those who steadfastly feel as if life begins at conception and that their god would want all embryos to have a chance at life outside the womb. What I respect even more, though, is when those same people understand that my religion doesn’t speak to the events in my uterus or at least recognize that what happens in my uterus is not for public consumption. At least Joe Biden, who declared himself anti-abortion in the vice presidential debate, had the good sense to clarify anyway that while he was raised a devout Catholic, “I do not believe that we have a right to tell other people that, women, that they can’t control their body. It’s a decision between them and their doctor, in my view, and the Supreme Court. I’m not going to interfere with that.” My home state of Colorado remains among a handful of battleground states in next week’s presidential election, and women are said to be the big wild card in the Centennial State. Except nearly all of the women in Colorado I know don’t consider our bodies to be a hot-button topic. How we decide what happens to us should never, ever be subject to change depending on who occupies the Oval Office. I’m absolutely convinced we’re all prolife, every last one of us — who could possibly argue against life? How we’re all not prochoice, too, however, is the maddening question that will get so many of us to the voting booth next week. Abortion isn’t a political issue, but having undisputed choices about our own bodies is a life issue. As in, it’s my life, and if you want me to vote for you, stay out of mine. More at www.meredithcarroll.com
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The Santa Monica Daily Press is published six days a week, Monday through Saturday. 19,000 daily circulation, 46,450 daily readership. Circulation is audited and verified by Circulation Verification Council, 2012. Serving the City of Santa Monica, and the communities of Venice Beach, Brentwood, West LA. Members of CNPA, AFCP, CVC, Associated Press, IFPA, Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce. Published by Newlon Rouge, LLC © 2012 Newlon Rouge, LLC, all rights reserved.
OPINIONS EXPRESSED are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of the Santa Monica Daily Press staff. Guest editorials from residents are encouraged, as are letters to the editor. Letters will be published on a space-available basis. It is our intention to publish all letters we receive, except those that are libelous or are unsigned. Preference will be given to those that are e-mailed to editor@smdp.com. All letters must include the author’s name and telephone number for purposes of verification. All letters and guest editorials are subject to editing for space and content.
Opinion Commentary 5
The Taxman Jon Coupal
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When will we be number one? WE HAVE JUST MOVED UP FROM FIFTH
There are two propositions — 30 and 38 — on the ballot that aim to raise funds for a educational system that has suffered through major hits during the state’s struggles through a down economy. So, this week’s Q-Line question asks:
Which of these two propositions will you vote for and why? Contact qline@smdp.com before Friday at 5 p.m. and we’ll print your answers in the weekend edition of the Daily Press. You can also call 310-573-8354.
While the high-speed rail project may be on track, the state is running off the rails. California has the worst credit rating in all 50 states. Taxpayers are on the hook for $497.9 billion in unfunded pension liability for government workers, while pay for these workers is growing three times faster than the personal income of Californians. This year’s state budget approved by the Legislature is 6 percent larger than last year, but the Sacramento politicians are threatening to take it out on schools if they don’t get more money. On Nov. 6 we will see if the Sacramento bully boys have been able to intimidate enough voters to approve their tax increases and make California number one in tax burden. We hope not. A far better outcome would be if voters say no — recognizing that taxpayers already pay more than their fair share. That’s the message that will help force our state politicians to clean up their act. JON COUPAL is president of the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association — California’s largest grass-roots taxpayer organization dedicated to the protection of Proposition 13 and the advancement of taxpayers’ rights.
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to fourth in a ranking of all 50 states by the Washington, DC–based Tax Foundation but, for average folks, this is not good news. California leads 46 other states in per capita tax burden, a dubious honor that helps to explain the state’s dismal economy. California has the highest state sales tax in the nation, we are tied for first in gasoline tax, our income tax rate is second, and even with Proposition 13, we rank closer to the top than the bottom in property taxes. But for Jerry Brown and Molly Munger, each a backer of one of the dueling tax increase measures on the November ballot, being number four is not good enough. Brown, with his Proposition 30, wants to increase sales and income taxes to the tune $6 billion annually. Munger and her Proposition 38 would increase income taxes by $10 billion a year. After the votes are counted on Nov. 6, each would like to be able to raise one of those giant foam fingers, popular at athletic events, used to project the message that “We are number one!” California’s unemployment rate is nearly a third higher than the national average. Those with jobs labor to pay the state’s high taxes while making no progress in their personal incomes. The Sacramento Business Journal reports that from 2006 through 2011, Californians’ disposable income did not keep up with inflation, ranking us 49th in the nation in income growth. So while the governor, supported by his public employee union allies, and Molly Munger, using her personal fortune, are working to increase the tax burden, let’s have a look at Sacramento’s spending priorities. California public employees are the highest paid in all 50 states. California has 12 percent of the U.S. population, but its taxpayers support one third of the nation’s welfare caseload. In these tough times for average taxpayers, the Legislature has just given out 6 percent pay raises to most of its Capitol staff, many of whom earn six figure salaries. It may seem a small amount when compared to total state spending, but it clearly illustrates the lawmakers’ state of mind — they take care of themselves and their own first. Then there is the bullet train to which the governor and the Legislature have committed $70 billion — money that would pay for a lot of teachers, classrooms and textbooks. They claim that this is not a problem because it will be paid for by borrowing. Yet just the interest on the $10 billion in bonds now being sold would cover the cuts in high-
er education that they are threatening if the Proposition 30 tax increase is not approved. Jerry Brown, who has taken ownership of the bullet train with an almost boyish glee, dismisses objections by comparing the high speed rail project to the investment in European Cathedrals that were financed through the sacrifices of generations who never lived to see the final result. (No, you can’t make this stuff up.)
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Wealthy donors give $350M to state ballot initiatives JUDY LIN JULIET WILLIAMS Associated Press
SACRAMENTO, Calif. The campaigns for and against the 11 initiatives on California’s November ballot have raised an astonishing $350 million so far on causes ranging from Gov. Jerry Brown’s tax increase to a labeling requirement for genetically modified food. Californians can thank a handful of billionaires and millionaires for jamming the airwaves and mailboxes with a barrage of advertising, as individuals are the biggest mega-donors this campaign season. In many cases, the opposition campaigns are spending even more than supporters as they seek to kill initiatives that threaten their political power. The initiative attracting many of the biggest donations is one targeting the political power of unions. Proposition 32 likely will end up with more than $120 million in spending for and against it. Supporters are likely to spend more than $50 million backing the attempt to undercut the political clout of unions by prohibiting them from raising money from dues deducted from paychecks. Unions and other Democratic supporters opposing it have given more than $60 million so far to fight the initiative. The rich and powerful pouring money into campaigns this year include a brother and sister with divergent political views who are approaching a combined $100 million in spending, a former hedge fund investor pushing a tax increase targeting out-of-state corporations and an insurance tycoon who is asking Californians to give insurance companies more leeway to set rates.
But unlimited spending does not assure victory, at least when it comes to initiatives, said Kim Alexander, president of the California Voter Foundation, a nonprofit that seeks to improve the election process. California voters defeat initiatives more often than they approve them. “It’s very hard to pass an initiative, but it’s not that hard to defeat an initiative if you have money on your side,” Alexander said. “I do credit California voters with doing the hard work to make informed choices. When people are in doubt, they often vote no or they skip propositions.” She and others said it is too soon to know whether the 2012 spending will break California campaign records. The $350 million figure was compiled by MapLight, a nonpartisan group that seeks greater transparency in campaign spending, based on reports filed with the California secretary of state’s office through Oct. 25. Dan Newman, MapLight’s president and co-founder, said he created the organization to shine more light on the money behind California’s political process. The state’s printed voter guides contain outdated information and few details about the money behind initiative campaigns. “It’s not just any voter who can put a proposed law before all Californians. It takes a lot of money, and so it’s the wealthy individuals and interest groups that determine the 11 propositions that we are all voting on,” Newman said. Atop the list of the wealthiest donors this election cycle is Molly Munger, a Los Angeles civil rights attorney and heir to a fortune accumulated by her father, a partner of
Berkshire Hathaway founder Warren Buffett. She has given more than $44 million to her campaign for Proposition 38, a broadbased increase in the state income tax that would funnel billions of dollars a year to California’s public schools. She has said she was motivated to pursue the initiative after seeing the poor quality of many public schools. Her half brother, Charles Munger Jr., is next in line, giving more than $36 million. That has gone primarily to support the initiative to curb unions’ ability to collect contributions for political activities and to oppose Brown’s proposed increase in the sales and income taxes, Proposition 30. The California Teachers Association, which represents more than 300,000 teachers and other public school employees, has given $32 million as it fights the so-called “paycheck-protection” measure and supports Brown’s proposed tax increase. Tom Steyer, a billionaire hedge fund investor and founder of Farallon Capital Management, said California’s initiative process was meant to empower voters when their government cannot or fails to act, as is the case with the tax loophole he says would be closed through Proposition 39, to which he has given $29 million. Steyer also bankrolled a 2010 effort to defeat Proposition 23, which would have suspended the state’s landmark greenhouse gas emissions law. “I think I’ve shown in both cases that I’m willing to go to some serious lengths when the rights of Californians are being trampled on in my opinion,” Steyer said. “So that’s my ambition: If I really feel like we’re all being stepped
on, I intend to be part of the army that’s fighting back. And that’s not going to change.” Proposition 37, which would require certain raw and processed foods to carry a label identifying them as containing genetically modified organisms, also has drawn multimillion-dollar donations from international food and chemical conglomerates such as Monsanto Co. and DuPont Co. They have so far given $41 million to defeat the initiative, which would ban labeling or advertising genetically altered food as “natural.” Its supporters, largely organic farmers and food companies, have raised about $7 million. Mark Baldassare, president of the Public Policy Institute of California, a nonpartisan think-tank, said the amount of money flowing into California ballot initiatives reflects the high stakes for many groups. The outcomes of some measures on the November ballot, such as Proposition 32, will determine who has the greatest political influence over the next few years, he said. Baldassare said that while California has seen very wealthy people exercising undue influence in the past, “it seems like there’s just so many examples just on this one ballot,” he said. “What makes this unique is just, not that this hasn’t happened before, but how many and what a diversity of views on the wealthy individuals about public policy,” Baldassare said. One outsize donation also has drawn scrutiny — an $11 million contribution from Americans for Responsible Leadership, a Phoenix-based nonprofit that has not revealed its sources of money.
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STATE BRIEFS LOS ANGELES
California sends aid to storm-struck East California is sending help to storm-ravaged East Coast areas. Gov. Jerry Brown says the California National Guard on Monday flew airplanes, helicopters and two specialized rescue teams to North Carolina. Last weekend, 10 search-and-rescue experts from fire departments up and down the state were sent to Virginia and other areas. Brown says more than 80 people trained in medical aid and emergency response were being sent. Pacific Gas & Electric says it’s sending more than 150 workers to help restore power in New York, and Southern California Edison is sending 170 employees and contractors to assist New York’s Consolidated Edison Co. SoCal Edison vehicles and equipment will travel cross-country in a convoy. The storm cut power to more than 7.4 million homes and businesses. ASSOCIATED PRESS
LOS ANGELES
Disney buying Lucasfilm for $4.05 billion Disney is paying $4.05 billion to buy Lucasfilm Ltd., the production company behind “Star Wars,” from its chairman and founder, George Lucas. It’s also making a seventh movie in the “Star Wars” series called “Episode 7,” set for release in 2015, with plans to follow it with Episodes 8 and 9 and then one new movie every two or three years. The Walt Disney Co. announced the agreement to make the purchase in cash and stock Tuesday. The deal brings Lucasfilm under the Disney banner with other brands including Pixar, Marvel, ESPN and ABC. Kathleen Kennedy, the current co-chairman of Lucasfilm, will become its president and report to Walt Disney Studios Chairman Alan Horn. Lucas will be creative consultant on new “Star Wars” films. Lucas said in a statement, “It’s now time for me to pass ‘Star Wars’ on to a new generation of filmmakers.” AP
LOS ANGELES
Former governors oppose death-penalty repeal Three former California governors are urging voters to reject a ballot proposal next week that would abolish the state’s death penalty. Democrat Gray Davis and Republicans Pete Wilson and George Deukmejian joined murder victims’ families in Los Angeles Tuesday to warn that Proposition 34 would erase history and potentially free imprisoned killers. There are more than 700 inmates on California’s death row. Davis calls the proposal on the Nov. 6 ballot a “horrible injustice” that would reopen old wounds for victims’ families. The American Civil Liberties Union and other supporters say $4 billion has been spent since 1978 housing condemned inmates and on lengthy court appeals. They say that money could be used to investigate unsolved murder and rape cases. AP
IRVINE
Woman wants roadside memorial to honor fish Animal activists want a California roadside memorial sign to honor fish killed during a container truck crash. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals volunteer Dina Kourda told Irvine’s street maintenance chief the sign would remind drivers that fish value their lives and feel pain. About 1,600 pounds of saltwater bass died on Oct. 11 when the truck hauling them to market got into a three-way crash. Kourda’s letter acknowledges roadside memorials traditionally honor humans, but she hopes an exception will be made. Irvine spokesman Craig Reem says there won’t be a fish memorial. But PETA spokeswoman Asheley Byrne said they will go back and ask again. It’s not the first time PETA has asked to post a memorial for animals killed on their way to slaughter. They’ve tried to honor pigs killed in Virginia and cows killed in crashes in Illinois, Kansas, and Manitoba, Canada, Byrne said, but none have been approved. It’s their first fish effort. They will continue trying for memorials when trucks carrying animals to slaughter are involved in crashes and there is a heavy death toll. “They are on their way to slaughter, which is, of course, pretty hellish. To suffer an accident on the way and be left in the middle of the street is unthinkable,” Byrne said. AP
ANAHEIM
Police paid $1.55M to settle shooting suit Public records show Anaheim police spent $1.55 million to settle a lawsuit filed by the family of a 20-year-old man fatally shot by police in 2008. The Orange County Register reports the payment was made to Julian Alexander’s widow and daughter, who was born six weeks after he was shot and killed by an Anaheim police officer. The suit was settled despite the district attorney’s office saying there was no criminal wrongdoing in the shooting. Alexander’s parents were also awarded $50,000. Their request to install a statue of Alexander on Disneyland’s Main Street, U.S.A. as a memorial was not fulfilled. Earlier this year, Anaheim residents staged protests demanding police accountability after two young men were shot and killed in the streets by police officers. AP
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Founding Father featured in popular new video game MATTHEW BARAKAT Associated Press
McLEAN, Va. Wars and video games seem to go together like peanut butter and jelly. But those games usually involve tanks and machine guns and Tet offensives; not horses, bayonets and Bunker Hill. Now, though, one of the biggest game releases of the upcoming holiday season is immersing players in the Revolutionary War, with key cameos from George Washington, Ben Franklin and other Founding Fathers. Assassin’s Creed III is due for release Tuesday. In some ways, the game is meticulous with historical accuracy. Great attention was paid to research to recreate the cities of New York and Boston on a one-third scale. History professors were brought in as consultants. In other ways, the game takes liberties with history. It integrates the Revolutionary War into the overarching story of Assassin’s Creed, in which the secret society of the Knights Templar fills the role as the game’s overarching villain. Game creators were reluctant to reveal too many details in advance of the game’s release. Review copies were not available in advance. The game’s creative director, Alex Hutchinson, said the ability to explore a historical era that has been largely left untouched by the gaming world was one of the most exciting aspects of the project. As for Washington himself, Hutchinson said he wanted the game to portray the fact that for the man who would become the nation’s first president, it was far from certain that America would win the war. “He wasn’t sure he was going to win,” Hutchinson said. “When you read their letters, they were very uncertain for much of their time” how the war would turn out. Francois Furstenberg, a history professor at the University of Montreal, who has written about the iconography that surrounds Washington, served as a consultant and said he was interested less in making sure names and dates were perfect, but more in the game’s overarching narrative. He said the game’s creators shared his desire to depict the war in a nuanced way that avoided portraying one side as the good guys and vice versa. “Anything that complicates the narrative is a good thing,” he said. “If anything I think they were more interested in sort of a muckraking account” of the revolution, something that agreed with Furstenberg. The game’s protagonist — Connor, half American Indian, Half British and not aligned with either side — served as a good vehicle for exploring the era in a way that avoids patriotic cliches, Hutchinson said. The game’s international fan base also demands an even-handed approach to the Revolution, said Hutchinson, who is frequently questioned by skeptical fans who worry the game will be too pro-American. Not to worry, said Hutchinson, who jokes
that he’s an Australian living in Canada making a game about the American Revolution for a French software company. Even where it sought to be realistic, the game’s creators took a few liberties. Washington, for instance, is first introduced as a young officer serving under General Braddock in the French and Indian war. The game makers took great care to show the youthful Washington accurately, as a redhead. Looking at the finished product, though, they felt they ought to add a touch of gray to Washington’s hair, to more closely match the iconic image of Washington held by the public. “We did not know how odd it is to see a red-headed George Washington,” Hutchinson said. “It was one of those instances where the fiction felt more right than the real version.” Ubisoft takes far greater liberties in a downloadable add-on game that will be available to Assassin’s Creed players a few months after the games release. In “The Tyranny of King Washington,” players confront a scenario where Washington, rather than yielding power to civil authority, parlays his power and popularity and establishes himself as a new monarch. At George Washington’s Mount Vernon estate, curators are happy that the game will introduce so many kids to Washington and the Founding Fathers and hopefully get them thinking about history. “I would love for people to focus on exactly the incredible choice Washington made to relinquish power,” said Carol Cadou, senior curator at Mount Vernon, even if the vehicle for prompting that discussion is a game that contorts and creates an alternate reality. Historical figures certainly make appearances in some video games, but rarely from historical eras and rarely in a setting devoted to realism. The popular game “Call of Duty: Black Ops,” for instance, features John F. Kennedy, Fidel Castro, Richard Nixon and former Defense Secretary Robert McNamara. But in the game, the four of them team up to defeat an onslaught of zombies at the Pentagon. Cadou says that Washington has so often been portrayed so heroically that he becomes unrelatable. “Washington is almost so good he becomes bland,” she said. “Even if he’s depicted in a negative way, it gives us an opportunity to explore” his life that otherwise wouldn’t exist. The Mount Vernon estate has focused in recent years on piercing the stodgy image of Washington on the dollar bill and sought to emphasize his military daring and actionhero aspects of his life story. Mount Vernon even looked at producing its own educational video game featuring Washington, but ultimately concluded that such a game would be “a little more violent than we had the appetite for.”
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TAX FROM PAGE 1 1, 2013 if hotel owners representing more than 50 percent of the total money raised by the tax agree to it. Almost 70 percent have already signed a petition requesting the district, according to a city staff report. The tax would vary depending on the cost of the room, with an additional $2 charged for rooms between $100 and $200 a night, $3 for those up to $300 and $4 for rooms that cost above $300 per night. The assessment would raise an estimated $3.1 million in addition to the roughly $2.5 million City Hall already contributes to the CVB each year. Assessments can go up by 25 cents per year at the most, and the district expires on Dec. 31, 2017. Hotel owners can reevaluate the program at the beginning of each year. It takes the vote of owners paying more than 50 percent of the total assessment to end the district. The extra funding would allow the bureau (CVB) to approach previouslyuntapped markets like Brazil, India and Mexico, said Misti Kerns, executive director of the CVB. “There are still people in the world that have no idea where we are and what we’re all about,” she said. She hopes the new money would give the bureau the resources to change that. Local hotels pushed for the assessment over two years ago as a way to increase the amount of money available to market Santa Monica as an international destination. The international traveler is a catch — they tend to stay longer than local visitors or people coming into Santa Monica on business, spend more money and often use pub-
lic transportation to get around. That means all the economic upside without nasty side effects like traffic, Kerns said. “This isn’t about bringing in more people, this is about a targeted and strategic plan of stimulating markets compatible with the destination,” she said. In proposing the fee, Kerns and the hotels both acknowledge that the existing level of funding isn’t doing the job. The CVB is competing with its larger California neighbors for the same clientele, and many of them already have assessment districts for the same purpose. Almost 70 have appeared across the state, and the majority of those were approved within the last three to four years. Other states are beginning to take notice and replicate the model, Kerns said. Los Angeles already has an assessment for its downtown, which charges an extra tax on downtown hotels with more than 50 rooms. “When you’re competing against cities like San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles, you have to be able to play the game on the same gameboard and have a game piece,” Kerns said. Some hotels are very supportive of the proposal because they believe it could raise Santa Monica’s profile, which would benefit both the hotels through greater occupancy rates and City Hall through additional taxes levied on hotel rooms. Santa Monica pulled in $32,747,300 in hotel room taxes in the 2010-11 fiscal year, and visitors spent a whopping $1.39 billion in 2011, according to City Hall and the CVB. The Ambrose, a luxury hotel in the MidCity neighborhood, is on board said Amita Patel, director of sales and marketing for the hotel. “My experience is that it is a positive for
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CHECKING IN: A family from Wisconsin checks into the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel.
the city because those funds go for the marketing of the destination,” she said. Not all hotels are as sweet on the concept. A Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel spokesperson declined to comment, but Chris Metz, owner of the Sea Shore Hotel on Main Street had major reservations. The Sea Shore Hotel, which has been family owned and operated since 1970, has 20 rooms that are usually full, Metz said. “I’m not against something that would benefit us, but I don’t think that it’s going to benefit us at our little motel,” Metz said. “I’m against raising taxes again, and secondly I would rather put it back into my hotel personally instead of giving it to an organization.” Metz plans to protest at the Nov. 13 City Council meeting, the date of the first public hearing about the district. Affected business owners will have a 45-day comment period
before a final public hearing on Dec. 11. If approved, the assessment will begin Jan. 1, 2013. The assessment district has one other “kill switch” built into it meant to prevent City Hall from taking public funding out of the bureau. If existing levels of funding for marketing programs decrease, “it is the intention of the lodging businesses to petition to disestablish the (district).” That is very unlikely because of the benefit that the CVB already brings to Santa Monica, said City Manager Rod Gould. “Two million dollars is a lot of money, but I consider the investment in the CVB one of the best investments that the city makes,” Gould said. “It would have to be a dark day indeed when I recommend to the City Council to cut funding to the CVB.” ashley@smdp.com
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NURSES FROM PAGE 1 an agreement with officials at the hospital. Patient care provisions in the two-year agreement, according to the union, include: • Adherence to the state law requirements on safe staffing with minimum RN-topatient ratios, with arbitration for addressing disputes on staffing issues. • Restrictions on assigning RNs to clinical areas for which they do not have demonstrated clinical expertise and orientation. • Compliance with the new state law on safe lifting policies to reduce patient falls and accidents and RN injuries associated with lifting of patients. • Establishment of a seven member
MALIBU FROM PAGE 1 voters to use the official county ballot and not the informational ballot,” Gorman said. If voters completed their ballots using the incorrect numbers, but have not yet mailed it, they may destroy the ballot and get another one either from the county or at the polls, according to a release by the City Clerk’s Office. Those that have already mailed in their ballots may be out of luck, said Efrain Escobedo, manager of Governmental and Legislative Affairs with Los Angeles County. “If they have already sent them in, no,” Escobedo said. “We’re working with the city right now and looking at making sure that this doesn’t impact their contest.” The pamphlet sent out by City Hall was
Professional Practice Committee of nurses elected by their colleagues to meet with management to discuss patient care issues. • Assurance that new technology will not be used to displace RN professional judgment or undermine patient care or RN jobs. Among other contract highlights, according to the union: • Wage increases, retroactive to last December of up to 5 percent the first year, and up to 7 percent the second year, depending on length of service at the hospital. • No cuts in RN health benefits or pension plans. • Just cause disciplinary rights for RNs. The California Nurses Association represents 500 RNs at Saint John’s. The nurses voted to join CNA in May of last year. news@smdp.com
not official voter information, Escobedo said, and voters should rely only on countyissued materials when marking their ballots. There are 4,000 people who receive voteby-mail ballots in the impacted voter groups, Escobedo said. The race for three open spots on the Board of Education is hotly contested between three candidates from Malibu and three incumbents from Santa Monica. The potential problem with vote-by-mail ballots left Malibu candidate Craig Foster worried. “I’m not really sure what this means, but I’m concerned,” he said. “I’m also concerned about what the authorities are going to do if there’s been misvoting as a result of this mistake in the supplemental.” ashley@smdp.com
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ZOMBIES FROM PAGE 3 event has already happened, it just hasn’t happened all at once on the same night. But the training is very real, it just happens to be the bad guys we’re having a little fun with.” Hundreds of military, law enforcement and medical personnel will observe the Hollywood-style production of a zombie attack as part of their emergency response training. In the scenario, a VIP and his personal detail are trapped in a village, surrounded by zombies when a bomb explodes. The VIP is wounded and his team must move through the town while dodging bullets and shooting back at the invading zombies. At one point, some members of the team are bit by zombies and must be taken to a field medical facility for decontamination and treatment. “No one knows what the zombies will do in our scenario, but quite frankly no one knows what a terrorist will do,” Barker said. “If a law enforcement officer sees a zombie and says, ‘Freeze, get your hands in the air!’ What’s the zombie going to do? He’s going to moan at you. If someone on PCP or some other psychotic drug is told that, the truth is he’s not going to react to you.” The keynote speaker beforehand will be a retired top spook — former CIA Director Michael Hayden. “No doubt when a zombie apocalypse occurs, it’s going to be a federal incident, so we’re making it happen,” Barker said. Since word got out about the exercise, they’ve had calls from “every whack job in the world” about whether the U.S. government is really preparing for a zombie event. Called “Zombie Apocalypse,” the exercise follows the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s campaign launched last year that urged Americans to get ready for a zombie apocalypse, as part of a catchy, public health message about the importance of emergency preparedness. The Homeland Security Department jumped on board last month, telling citizens if they’re prepared for a zombie attack, they’ll be ready for real-life disasters like a hurricane, pandemic, earthquake or terrorist attack. A few suggestions were similar to a few of the 33 rules for dealing with zombies
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012
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popularized in the 2009 movie “Zombieland,” which included “always carry a change of underwear” and “when in doubt, know your way out.” San Diego-based Halo Corp. founded by former military special ops and intelligence personnel has been hosting the annual counterterrorism summit since 2006. The five-day Halo counterterrorism summit is an approved training event by the Homeland Security Grant Program and the Urban Areas Security Initiative, which provide funds to pay for the coursework on everything from the battleground tactics to combat wounds to cybersecurity. The summit has a $1,000 registration fee and runs Oct. 29-Nov 2. Conferences attended by government officials have come under heightened scrutiny following an inspector general’s report on waste and abuse at a lavish 2010 Las Vegas conference that led to the resignation of General Services Administrator Martha Johnson. The Las Vegas conference featured a clown, a mind-reader and a rap video by an employee who made fun of the spending. Joe Newman, spokesman of the watchdog organization Project on Government Oversight, said he does not see the zombie exercise as frivolous. “We obviously are concerned about any expenditure that might seem frivolous or a waste of money but if they tie things together, there is a lesson there,” Newman said. “Obviously we’re not expecting a zombie apocalypse in the near future, but the effects of what might happen in a zombie apocalypse are probably similar to the type of things that happen in natural disasters and manmade disasters. They’re just having fun with it. We don’t have any problems with it as a teaching point.” Defense analyst Loren Thompson agreed. “The defining characteristics of zombies are that they’re unpredictable and resilient. That may be a good way to prepare for what the Pentagon calls asymmetric warfare,” Thompson said. Organizers can also avoid the pitfalls of using a mock enemy who could be identified by nationality, race or culture — something that could potentially be seen as offensive. “I can think of a couple of countries where the local leaders are somewhat zombie-like,” he joked. “But nobody is going to take this personally.”
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Storm’s cost may hit $50B; rebuilding to ease blow CHRISTOPHER S. RUGABER MARTIN CRUTSINGER AP Economics Writers
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WASHINGTON Superstorm Sandy will end up causing about $20 billion in property damages and $10 billion to $30 billion more in lost business, according to IHS Global Insight, a forecasting firm. In the long run, the devastation the storm inflicted on New York City and other parts of the Northeast will barely nick the U.S. economy. That’s the view of economists who say a slightly slower economy in coming weeks will likely be matched by reconstruction and repairs that will contribute to growth over time. The short-term blow to the economy, though, could subtract about 0.6 percentage point from U.S. economic growth in the October-December quarter, IHS says. Retailers, airlines and home construction firms will likely lose some business. The storm cut power to about 7 million homes, shut down 70 percent of East Coast oil refineries and inflicted worse-thanexpected damage in the New York metro area. That area produces about 10 percent of U.S. economic output. New York City was all but closed off by car, train and air. The superstorm overflowed the city’s waterfront, flooded the financial district and subway tunnels and cut power to hundreds of thousands. Power is expected to be fully restored in Manhattan and Brooklyn within four days. Most homeowners who suffered losses from flooding won’t be able to benefit from their insurance policies. Standard homeowner policies don’t cover flood damage, and few homeowners have flood insurance. But Freddie Mac said it will offer help to borrowers whose homes were damaged or destroyed, who live in designated disaster areas and whose loans the mortgage giant owns or guarantees. Among other options, mortgage servicers will be allowed to reduce the monthly payments of affected homeowners or require no payments from them temporarily. Across U.S. industries, disruptions will slow the economy temporarily. Some restaurants and stores will draw fewer customers. Factories may shut down or hold shorter shifts because of a short-term drop in customer demand. Some of those losses won’t be easily made up. Restaurants that lose two or three days of business, for example, won’t necessarily experience a rebound later. And money spent to repair a home may lead to less spending elsewhere. With some roads in the Northeast impassable after the storm, drivers won’t be filling up as much. That will slow demand for gasoline. Pump prices, which had been declining before the storm, will likely keep slipping. The national average for a gallon of regular fell by about a penny Tuesday, to $3.53 — more than 11 cents lower than a week ago. Shipping and business travel has been suspended in areas of the Northeast. More than 15,000 flights across the Northeast and the world have been grounded, and it will take days for some passengers to get where they’re going. On Tuesday, more than 6,000 flights were canceled, according to the flight-tracking service FlightAware. More than 500 flights scheduled for Wednesday were canceled. The three big New York airports were closed Tuesday by the Port Authority of New
York and New Jersey. New York has the nation’s busiest airspace, so cancellations there drastically affect travel in other cities. Economists noted that the hit to the economy in the short run was worsened by the size of the population centers the storm hit. “Sandy hit a high-population-density area with a lot of expensive homes,” said Beata Caranci, deputy chief economist at TD Bank. Hurricane damage to homes, businesses and roads reduces U.S. wealth. But it doesn’t subtract from the government’s calculation of economic activity. By contrast, rebuilding and restocking by businesses and consumers add to the nation’s gross domestic product — the broadest gauge of economic production. GDP measures all goods and services produced in the United States. Paul Ashworth, chief U.S. economist at Capital Economics, expects the storm to shave 0.1 to 0.2 percentage point from annual economic growth in the OctoberDecember quarter. He thinks the economy will grow at an annual rate of 1.5 percent to 2 percent in the fourth quarter. It expanded at a 2 percent annual rate last quarter. But Ashworth says any losses this quarter should be made up later as rebuilding boosts sales at building supply stores and other companies. “People will load up on whatever they need to make repairs — roofing, dry wall, carpeting — to deal with the damage,” he says. In the short run, Caranci said the economic damage could be heaviest for small businesses that lack the money and other resources to withstand lost sales. “It will remain to be seen how long disruptions to electricity and infrastructure persist,” she said. But she noted that the storm should give a boost to the construction industry, which shed millions of workers after the housing bust. Many who lost construction jobs were skilled employees with disproportionately high pay, and the loss of those jobs hit the economy hard. Major retailers began trying Tuesday to ramp up their operations before the critical holiday shopping period. Sears Holdings Corp., which operates Kmart and Sears, said 80 of its stores were still closed as of midday Tuesday, down from 187 Monday. Wal-Mart Stores Inc., the world’s biggest retailer, said it was working to reopen the 168 stores it closed. And Darden Restaurants Inc., parent company of Olive Garden and Red Lobster, by Tuesday afternoon had reopened roughly 160 of the 260 restaurants it closed Monday. Retailers collect up to 40 percent of their annual revenue in November and December. Retailers, excluding restaurants, could lose at least $25 billion in sales this week, estimates Burt Flickinger III of retail consultancy Strategic Resource Group. Because of the storm, he’s reduced his forecast for holiday sales to a 2.1 percent increase over last year from the 3.2 percent increase he had predicted earlier. Reopening is often difficult after a storm. New York City’s subways and buses remained closed Tuesday, making it hard for employees to get to work. Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue flagship stores stayed closed Tuesday — bad news for those retailers, because major department stores can derive 10 percent of annual sales from their Manhattan locations.
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The Barker Hangar is wheelchair-accessible. If you have an event specific disability-related request, please contact the PAL staff at (310) 458-8988 or TTY: (310)458-8696 at least three days prior to the event. Santa Monica Big Blue Bus Line #14 serves the Santa Monica Airport.
13
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National 14
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012
We have you covered
Pot, gay marriage, suicide are ballot-item topics DAVID CRARY, AP National Writer
NEW YORK (AP) After all the economyfocused campaign talk, voters in some states will get a chance on Election Day to sound off on intriguing topics that the presidential rivals ignored, including death-penalty repeal, marijuana legalization and assisted suicide. In all, there are 176 measures on the Nov. 6 ballots in 38 states, according to the Initiative and Referendum Institute at the University of Southern California. Many are technical proposals by legislators related to state finances and regulations. Others, however, are dramatic and highly divisive measures that would — if approved — be historic milestones for U.S. social policy. Any of three states — Maine, Maryland and Washington — could become the first to legalize same-sex marriage through a popular vote, a potentially momentous development that could influence future Supreme Court deliberations on the issue. Thus far, all 32 states with referendums on gay marriage have rebuffed it, while the six states that have legalized it did so through legislation or court orders. Washington is in another three-state group, with Oregon and Colorado, that could become the first to legalize recreational use of marijuana — allowing adults to possess small amounts of pot under a regimen of state regulation and taxation. The Oregon proposal appears to be fizzling, but the Washington and Colorado measures have led in opinion polls and are backed by wealthy out-of-state donors. A “yes” vote in any of the states could set up a showdown with the federal government, which continues to consider pot an illegal drug. The Justice Department has declined to elaborate on how it would react. Two other states — Arkansas and Massachusetts — will be deciding whether to allow marijuana use for medical reasons, as 17 states have done previously. Arkansas would be the first southern state to join the group. Another emotionally charged measure in Massachusetts would legalize physicianassisted suicide. Massachusetts would join Oregon and Washington in allowing terminally ill patients to obtain lethal doses of medication if doctors say they have six months or less to live. The measure raises “the most profound questions that an individual can wrestle with,” said the Rev. Tim Kutzmark, of Reading, Mass., a Unitarian Universalist minister who shifted from a foe of assisted suicide to a supporter after watching a close friend slowly die from Parkinson’s disease in 2002. As is often the case, California has numerous attention-getting measures, including one that would abolish the state’s death penalty. If approved, the more than 720 inmates on California’s death row would have their sentences converted to life in prison without the possibility of parole. While 17 states have ended capital punishment, most did so through legislative action. Only in Oregon, in 1964, did voters choose to repeal the death penalty, and they later reversed themselves to reinstate it. Another contentious measure in California would require most genetically engineered processed foods and produce sold in supermarkets and other outlets to be labeled as such. These GMO foods also will
be prohibited from carrying the term “natural” on their labels. Consumer groups and the organic food industry support the measure as a way of giving shoppers more information about what they purchase and consume, while many retailers are opposed, saying grocery bills would increase. Food and chemical conglomerates, including Monsanto Co. and DuPont Co., have contributed nearly $41 million to defeat the measure — close to 10 times what its supporters have raised. California’s epic budget problems also are on the ballot, in the form of rival taxincrease proposals. Democratic Gov. Jerry Brown’s Proposition 30, aimed at averting $6 billion in budget cuts, mostly to education, would raise income taxes on people who make more than $250,000 a year for seven years and raise the state sales tax by a quarter cent for four years. Proposition 38, sponsored by wealthy civil rights attorney Molly Munger, would raise income taxes on nearly all earners and send the money directly to local school districts, bypassing the Legislature. California labor unions are the target of another measure, aimed at depriving them of tens of millions of dollars they use to finance campaigns and political organizing. Proposition 32 would prohibit corporations and unions from collecting money for state political activities from employees or members through paycheck deductions. It would hit unions hardest: Corporations don’t typically deduct money from employee pay for state political activities, but unions do use the practice to fill their political coffers. The battle over Proposition 32 follows conflicts in Wisconsin, Ohio, Indiana and elsewhere where Republican efforts to weaken organized labor have produced protests and political tumult. In Michigan, labor unions are fighting back. On Nov. 6, voters there will be deciding on a first-of-its-kind ballot initiative that would put collective bargaining rights in the state constitution — and out of lawmakers’ reach. If successful, the strategy could serve as a model for other states, encouraging unions to bypass hostile officeholders and take their case directly to voters. “Labor is on the defensive,” said Lawrence Mishel, president of the Economic Policy Institute, a liberal research organization in Washington, D.C. “This could very well be a turning point if the people of Michigan affirm collective bargaining.” Other notable ballot measures: • In Alabama, Montana, Florida and Wyoming, voters have an opportunity to weigh in on one key aspect of President Barack Obama’s health care overhaul in the form of Republican-backed measures stating that no individual or business can be compelled to participate in a health care system. The measures are viewed as largely symbolic; they would violate federal law and any attempt to enforce them would likely wind up in the courts. • Maryland voters will decide whether to uphold or overturn a new state law allowing illegal immigrants to pay in-state tuition at public colleges if their parents have paid taxes and if the students have attended Maryland schools. • Illegal immigrants are the target of a measure in Montana, placed on the ballot by lawmakers, that would require people who receive certain state services to provide proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency.
International WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012
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Egyptians in hajj divided over Islam’s role in politics AYA BATRAWY Associated Press
MECCA, Saudi Arabia Now that she has finished the hajj and is returning home to Egypt, Magda Bagnied says her family will no doubt try to convince her to put on the headscarf to demonstrate her religiosity after a pilgrimage meant to cleanse her of sin and bring her closer to God. She fully expects that from her parents. But she doesn’t want that kind of pressure from her government or leaders. “Leave religion to the people,” said Bagnied, a media professor at Ahram Canadian University, in Cairo’s suburbs. The annual pilgrimage to Islam’s holiest sites offers Muslims a chance to reaffirm their faith and root themselves more firmly in their beliefs. It comes at a time when several Arab nations are facing a similar issue on a political level after uprisings that toppled longtime leaders and brought Islamists to greater power: The question of how much a government should be rooted in Islam. Egypt in particular is struggling with that question. Elections since the fall last year of Hosni Mubarak elevated Mohammed Morsi, who hails from the Muslim Brotherhood, to president. The Brotherhood was vaulted to become the country’s strongest political force, along with even more conservative Islamists known as Salafis, who follow a strict Saudi-style interpretation of Islam. As pilgrims were making their way around the Kaaba, the cube-shaped structure in Mecca that observant Muslims pray toward five times a day, and performing an elaborate set of rituals in Saudi Arabia over
the past week, Egypt was in a bitter struggle over the writing of the new constitution. Salafis are pressing for the document to explicitly root Egypt’s laws in Shariah. That has raised liberals’ fears that it will bring stricter implementation of Islamic law and empower Muslim clerics in a political role, limiting women’s rights and freedoms of worship and expression. The assembly writing the constitution is dominated by the Brotherhood and Salafis. The Egyptians who performed the pilgrimage this year may be united in the importance they give to their faith in their lives. But it doesn’t mean they all agree on the mix of religion and politics. More than 90,000 Egyptians were on the pilgrimage, which largely wrapped up on Monday. They hailed from all segments of Egyptian society, the rich and the poor, and from all corners of the Arab world’s most populous nation. Wearing the seamless terrycloth garments worn by male pilgrims to symbolize equality and unity during hajj, Sayid Zeid said Egypt’s constitution should represent all Egyptians — and, he added, it must be based on the Quran. How can it be both, given the large Christian minority and the sector of liberal Muslims? “Shariah will be applied by God ... It should be applied as it came down from God,” said Zeid, who is a reporter with Egypt’s state TV, though he was performing the hajj, not covering it. For some, it seemed only natural that Islamic law would benefit a Muslim-majority nation, putting aside questions of who would interpret it or implement it.
Making his way to midday prayers at Mecca’s Grand Mosque, which houses the Kaaba, Abdel-Muntalib el-Fikky said there is no reason to fear Shariah or the Islamists. “Why are we all here? We are all here for God,” he said of the pilgrims. “Our constitution, God willing, will be good. It will move us forward.” Anwar Saad, a 32 year-old teacher from Egypt’s Beheira province, stood on Jabal alRahma in Mount Arafat, in the desert outside Mecca during a rite of prayer on Thursday that many feel is the pinnacle moment of hajj. “The Brotherhood have moderate views. They are not conservative like the Salafis. We hope they will apply a moderate form of Shariah for Egypt,” he said. “We want God to help Morsi succeed ... There were 30 years of corruption and this will not be fixed in 100 days. Be patient with the president.” Notably, hajj itself shows the variety in interpretations of Islamic rules. For example, in most of the Muslim world, men and women are segregated during prayers. But in the Grand Mosque, the two sexes pray side by side. For most of the hajj rites, women are not allowed to wear the veil that covers the entire face, even though ultraconservative Muslims insist a woman’s face should be hidden from males not related to her. Bagnied, the media professor, said she does not fear Shariah but those who would try to interpret and apply it. “What kind of Islam do they want to apply? Afghanistan, Iran or Saudi Arabia?” she said. Bagnied, who does not wear the headscarf that many Egyptian Muslim women don to cover their hair, said she can
resist her family’s urging her to start wearing it. But she worries that an Islamist government will start to apply political pressure as well on such personal choices. She said many people voted for Morsi hoping that because he is a pious Muslim and will apply “God’s law” that their lives will improve. “I think many Egyptians don’t know the content of the constitution,” she said. “Egypt is full of people talking about politics, but there is a large amount of ignorance in the country and you can convince people (by using Islam) that they have to obey their leaders, who are sheiks and politicians.” Ihab Abdel-Aal, 47, is among those who voted for the former Mubarak regime-era official who ran against Morsi in the past summer’s presidential race. Morsi won by just over half the vote. Abdel-Aal has performed the hajj more than 25 times, since he’s a tour operator bringing other Egyptians on the pilgrimage. He fears Egypt is turning to a theocracy. Abdel-Aal, like many who work in Egypt’s vital tourism industry that was hard-hit due to political turmoil over the past year, said he believes Shariah cannot be applied in all aspects of life. “This will tank the economy and other sectors and just won’t work.” Mohamed Abdel-Aziz, who runs a Cairo tourism company, says he has performed hajj more than 30 times. He said the number of Egyptians wanting to perform hajj and umrah, the smaller pilgrimage to Mecca, increased this year. “In any crisis, the first thing a person does is pray to God,” he said. “We are in a crisis.”
Sports 16
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012
We have you covered
NYC tries to recover from storm as marathon nears RACHEL COHEN AP Sports Writer
SURF CONDITIONS
WATER TEMP: 64.2°
SWELL FORECAST Looking at waist high waves at west facing breaks, knee to waist at south facing spots.
LONG RANGE SYNOPSIS CHEST
HIGH DAY FOR WEST FACING BREAKS WITH PLUSES AT STANDOUTS.
TIDE FORECAST
FOR
TODAY
IN
SANTA MONICA
DIRECT
SOUTH FACING BREAKS SHOULD RUN WAIST HIGH.
NEW YORK Five days before New York hosts its namesake marathon, its public transportation is shut down, its airports closed, its streets flooded and power out in many neighborhoods. On Monday, as superstorm Sandy started to pound the city, NYC Marathon officials insisted they would have enough time before Sunday’s race to prepare the course and for runners to travel to New York. But it was uncertain Tuesday when life in the city would return to normal, and organizers promised an update on marathon preparations. Nearly 20,000 amateur international runners need to get in the country. Another 30,000 or so American entrants must get to the starting line; the family and friends of runners must somehow find a way to their viewing spots. And on Tuesday, it was unclear when public transit, river crossings and airports would reopen. The marathon pours an estimated $350 million into the city each year. But it also requires major support from city departments that are being strained by the storm. New York Road Runners President Mary Wittenberg said Monday they had a long list of contingency plans already in place to deal with any obstacles that might arise. The biggest concerns centered on getting runners to the start on Staten Island.
The 26.2-mile route through the five boroughs mostly avoids areas considered at highest risk for flooding. “We have time on our side,” Wittenberg said Monday. NYRR organizes about 50 events a year and has dealt with issues ranging from heavy snow to lightning to security concerns in the past. “We’ve been through close to it all,” Wittenberg said. Organizers expected to reschedule flights to get all the elite athletes to New York in time. Wittenberg hoped that most of the amateur international runners signed up would make it. The hours for number pickup will probably be extended for those who arrive late Saturday. For runners who can’t get to New York, the deadline to withdraw from the race and guarantee a spot in next year’s event likely will be pushed back from Wednesday to Saturday. Under normal NYRR policy, organizers won’t refund entry fees, and runners would have to pay again next year. The ceremonial finish-line painting scheduled for Wednesday was canceled, along with a news conference Tuesday. A children’s run Thursday was moved from Central Park to an indoor track, and the pavilion in the park has been taken down for the time being. Wittenberg said generators or backup systems were in place in key locations. Extra time is always built into planning, and 700 part-time workers and 8,000 volunteers ensure the course can be set up quickly.
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CITY OF SANTA MONICA NOTICE INVITING BIDS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Santa Monica invites sealed bids for: BID #4038 PROVIDE ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT SERVICE AND REPAIRS AS REQUIRED BY THE BIG BLUE BUS. BID #4040 PROVIDE PRESSURE WASH NON-HAZARDOUS CLEANING SOLUTION AS REQUIRED BY THE BIG BLUE BUS. The bid packet can be downloaded at: • http://vendors.planetbids.com/SantaMonica/QuickSearch.cfm • Submission Deadline Is November 12, 2012 at 3:00 PM Pacific Time. Request for bid forms and specifications may be obtained from the City of Santa Monica, 1717 4th St., Suite 250, Santa Monica, California, or by e-mailing your request to Kellee.macdonald@smgov.net. Bids must be submitted on forms furnished by the City of Santa Monica. Vendors interested in doing business with the City of Santa Monica are encouraged to register online at http://www.smgov.net/finance/purchasing/
Comics & Stuff WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012
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Speed Bump
MOVIE TIMES Aero Theatre 1328 Montana Ave. (310) 260-1528 Creature from the Black Lagoon (Approved) 1hr 19min 7:30pm
AMC Loews Broadway 4 1441 Third Street Promenade (888) 262-4386 Frankenweenie (PG) 1hr 27min 7:15pm, 9:35pm Here Comes the Boom (PG) 1hr 45min 7:10pm, 9:45pm Argo (R) 2hrs 00min 7:10pm, 10:00pm Alex Cross (PG-13) 1hr 41min 7:20pm, 9:50pm
AMC 7 Santa Monica 1310 Third St. (310) 451-9440 Hotel Transylvania 3D (PG) 1hr 31min 7:15pm
Fun Size (PG-13) 1hr 30min 8:00pm, 10:15pm
By John Deering
Other Son (Le fils de l'autre) (PG13) 1hr 45min 7:30pm, 10:10pm
Taken 2 (PG-13) 1hr 31min 7:20pm, 10:00pm
AMC Criterion 6 1313 Third St. (310) 395-1599
Chasing Mavericks (PG) 1hr 51min 7:40pm, 10:30pm
Looper (R) 1hr 58min 7:30pm, 10:25pm
Paranormal Activity 4 (R) 1hr 35min 7:30pm, 10:10pm Perks of Being a Wallflower (PG13) 1hr 42min 7:25pm, 10:20pm
Laemmle’s Monica Fourplex 1332 Second St. (310) 478-3836
Strange Brew
8:00pm, 10:15pm
Argo (R) 2hrs 00min 7:45pm, 10:30pm
Hotel Transylvania (PG) 1hr 31min 9:40pm
By Dave Coverly
17
Sinister (R) 1hr 50min 7:55pm, 10:30pm Seven Psychopaths (R) 1hr 49min 7:45pm, 10:30pm Silent Hill: Revelation 3D (R) 1hr 34min 7:50pm, 10:25pm
Yogawoman 1hr 24min 7:40pm, 10:00pm
Pitch Perfect (PG-13) 1hr 52min 7:40pm, 10:20pm
Searching for Sugar Man (PG13) 1hr 25min
Cloud Atlas (R) 2hrs 44min 7:20pm, 10:55pm
Dogs of C-Kennel
By Mick and Mason Mastroianni
For more information, e-mail news@smdp.com
Out and about tonight, Aries ARIES (March 21-April 19)
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)
★★★ By midday, a situation will energize you,
★★★★ A close partner or an associate demands a lot of your attention. Confusion surrounds you; do not take someone's behavior personally. Tonight: Last-minute thoughts about trick-or-treating might encourage a change in plans.
and you might feel tense and excited simultaneously. Be sure to cross off the errands on your to-do list. A misunderstanding could happen if you move too quickly. Tonight: Out and about.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) ★★★★ The unexpected occurs, which forces
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21)
you to pull back and center yourself. This time of reflection ultimately allows you to gain. Tonight: Share some of your treats. No tricks, please.
★★★★ Deal with someone's requests. You could be aggravated on some level, but it would be worth it to step back and evaluate your mood before taking action. Try not to look at the incident itself, but instead at your authentic feelings for this person. Tonight: Surprises happen left and right.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20) ★★★★ As the day goes on, you feel more empowered. You'll communicate on a deep level and share more of your ideas. Others respond, but perhaps not in the way you anticipated. Tonight: Go with last-minute changes.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) ★★★ Use the morning to the max, and do what you must in order to assume a low profile in the afternoon. A discussion might need to be repeated at a later date, even if it seems like the other party currently understands the message. Someone you look up to could surprise you. Tonight: Act like a ghost and vanish.
Edge City
By Terry & Patty LaBan
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) ★★★ Those around you are full of themselves right now, which could force you to back off some. These people simply have strong personalities, but it might feel like you are on the receiving end of a power play. Tonight: Go along with someone else's idea.
Garfield
By Jim Davis
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) ★★★★ Your creative ideas mark the morning. By the afternoon, it is business as usual. Take time with a parent or boss who might need some help. Tonight: Consider an unexpected offer.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) ★★★★ Handle your responsibilities early in
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18)
the day, as meetings, interpersonal interactions and phone calls will keep you very busy. Indulge in this sociable afternoon -- it's nearly as if it was created just for you. Tonight: At a favorite haunt with your friends.
★★★ Confusion forces your hand in a situation. A misunderstanding helps you initiate a long-overdue conversation. Let your imagination run wild, and you could find that many doors will open up as a result. Tonight: Let the good times roll.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) ★★★ You might want to think through some-
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20)
one's demands. A partner's unexpected behavior also could take a toll on you. You might not be in the mood to talk, and perhaps you would rather distance yourself from this person right now. Think before adjusting your schedule. Tonight: To the wee hours.
★★★ You might want to spend more time at home or with a family member. Even if you have to work, you still can plan on making time with this person afterward. He or she will be delighted by your actions. Tonight: You do not need to go far to have a haunting experience.
Happy birthday
JACQUELINE BIGAR’S STARS The stars show the kind of day you’ll have: ★★★★★Dynamic ★★ So-So ★★★★ Positive ★ Difficult ★★★ Average
This year you tap into your wit and intelligence, no matter what you choose to do. Others like having you around. Make sure that you are clear in your communication, as often there tend to be mix-ups. The unexpected adds zest to your life. If you are single, you could meet someone who appears out of the blue. It is likely that Cupid's arrow will hit you hard. If you are attached, the two of you could experience some misunderstandings. Let go of your judgment, and accept your partner as he or she is. GEMINI makes you laugh easily.
The Meaning of Lila
By John Forgetta & L.A. Rose
Puzzles & Stuff 18
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2012
We have you covered
Sudoku
DAILY LOTTERY Draw Date: 10/26
Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column, and 3x3 block. Use logic and process of elimination to solve the puzzle. The difficulty level ranges from ★ (easiest) to ★★★★★ (hardest).
4 15 24 36 40 Meganumber: 44 Jackpot: $27M Draw Date: 10/27
5 14 36 38 47 Meganumber: 18 Jackpot: $7M Draw Date: 10/30
5 16 20 28 37 Draw Date: 10/30
MIDDAY: 0 2 5 EVENING: 0 9 8 Draw Date: 10/30
1st: 03 Hot Shot 2nd: 08 Gorgeous George 3rd: 09 Winning Spirit RACE TIME: 1:40.41
MYSTERY PHOTO
Daniel Archuleta daniela@smdp.com The first person who can correctly identify where this image was captured wins a prize from the Santa Monica Daily Press. Send answers to editor@smdp.com. Send your mystery photos to editor@smdp.com to be used in future issues.
King Features Syndicate
GETTING STARTED There are many strategies to solving Sudoku. One way to begin is to examine each 3x3 grid and figure out which numbers are missing. Then, based on the other numbers in the row and column of each blank cell, find which of the missing numbers will work. Eliminating numbers will eventually lead you to the answer.
SOLUTIONS TO YESTERDAY’S PUZZLE
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of the winning number information, mistakes can occur. In the event of any discrepancies, California State laws and California Lottery regulations will prevail. Complete game information and prize claiming instructions are available at California Lottery retailers. Visit the California State Lottery web site at http://www.calottery.com
NEWS OF THE WEIRD BY
CHUCK
SHEPARD
■ A September religious festival in Nanchang, China, is a favorite of beggars, as visitors are in a generous mood, but officials expressed concern this year about the increasing hordes of panhandlers harassing the pilgrims. Thus, town officials ordered all festival beggars to be locked up in small cages (too tiny to allow standing) to minimize the hustling. Beggars are free to leave, but then must stay away permanently. Most beggars chose to stay since they still earned more in festival cages than they would have on the street. ■ In August, schoolboy Charlie Naysmith of Christchurch, England, taking a nature walk near Hengistbury Head beach, came upon a rocklike substance that turned out to be petrified whale vomit -- which, to his surprise, proved worth the equivalent of from $16,000 to $64,000. "Ambergris," a waxy buildup from the intestines of a sperm whale, produces a foul odor but is valuable commercially for prolonging the scent of a perfume. (Actually, after floating in the sun, on salt water, for decades, the ambergris on the beach was smooth and sweet-smelling.)
TODAY IN HISTORY – Algerian War of Independence: The Algerian National Liberation Front begins a revolt against French rule. – Suez Crisis: The United Kingdom and France begin bombing Egypt to force the reopening of the Suez Canal. – Lee Harvey Oswald attempts to renounce his American citizenship at the US Embassy in Moscow, USSR. – An explosion at the Indiana State Fair Coliseum (now Pepsi Coliseum) in Indianapolis kills 74 people during an ice skating show. The explosion also injures 400. A faulty propane tank connection in a concession stand is blamed.
1954 1956 1959 1963
WORD UP! loup-garou \ loo-ga-ROO \ , noun; 1. A werewolf; lycanthrope.
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Services MEALS ON WHEELS WEST(Santa Monica, Pac.Pal, Malibu, Marina del Rey, Topanga)Urgently needed volunteers/drivers/assistants to deliver meals to the homebound in our community M-F from 10:30am to 1pm. Please help us feed the hungry.
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Notices NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE(S) Date of Filing Application: 09/22/2012 To Whom it may concern: The Name(s) of the Applicant(s) is/are: REDWOOD GRILLE SANTA MONICA LLC The applicants listed above are applying to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to sell alcoholic beverages at: 395 SANTA MONICA, STE 308, SANTA MONICA, CA 90401-3411 Type of License(s) Applied for: 47ON-SALE GENERAL EATING PLACE Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control INGLEWOOD. SANTA MONICA DAILY PRESS
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DBAS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT FILE NUMBER: 2012200309 ORIGINAL FILING This statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES on 10/05/2012 The following person(s) is (are) doing business as HONORING YOUR SPIRITUAL JOURNEY. The full name of registrant(s) is/are: ROSANNA FERRARO 934 6TH ST. #7 SANTA MONICA, CA 90403. This Business is being conducted by: an Individual. The registrant has not yet commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed above. /s/:ROSANNA FERRARO. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of LOS ANGELES County on 10/05/2012. NOTICE: THIS FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT EXPIRES FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE IT WAS FILED IN THE OFFICE OF THE COUNTY CLERK. A NEW FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT MUST BE FILED PRIOR TO THAT DATE. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name statement in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411et seq.,Business and Professions Code). SANTA MONICA DAILY PRESS to publish 10/17/2012, 10/24/2012, 10/31/2012, 11/07/2012.
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NOTICE! You have been sued. The court may decide against you without your being heard unless you respond within 30 days. Read the information below. You have 30 CALENDAR DAYS after this summons and legal papers are served on you to file a written response at this court and have a copy served on the plaintiff. A letter or phone call will not protect you. Your written response must be in proper legal form if you want the court to hear your case. There may be a court form that you can use for your response. You can find these court forms and more information at the California Courts Online Self-Help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), your county law library, or the courthouse nearest you. If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the court clerk for a fee waiver form. If you do not file your response on time, you may lose the case by default, and your wages, money, and property may be taken without further warning from the court. There are other legal requirements. You may want to call an attorney right away. If you do not know an attorney, you may want to call an attorney referral service. If you cannot afford an attorney, you may be eligible for free legal services from a nonprofit legal services program. You can locate these nonprofit groups at the California Legal Services Web site (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org) the California Courts Online self-help Center (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp), or by contacting your local court or county bar association. NOTE: The court has a statutory lien ofor waived fees and costs on any settlement or arbitration award of $10,000 or more in a civil case. The court's lien must be paid before the court will dismiss the case. Tiene 30 DIAS DE CALENDARIO despues de que le entreguen esta citacion y papeles legales pare presenter una respuesta per escrito en esta code y hacar que se entregue una copia al demandante. Una carta o una llamada telefonica no lo protegen. Su respuesza per escrito tiene que ester en formato legal correcto si desea que procesen su caso en la corte. Es posible que haya un formulario que usted pueda usar pare su respuesta. Puede encontrar estos formularios de la corte y mas informacion en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/espanol/), en la biblioteca de leyes de su condado o en la corte que le quede mas cerca. Si no puede pagar la cuota de presentacion, pida al secretario de la corte que le de un formulario de exencion de bago de cuotas. Si no presenta su respuesta a tiempo, puede perder el caso por incumpilmiento y corte le podra quitar su sueldo, dinero y bienes sin mas advertencia. Hay otros requisitos legales Es recomendable que llame a un abogado inmediatamente. Si no conoce a un abogado, pueda llamar a un servicio de remision a abogados. Si no puede pagar a un abogado, es posible que cumpia con los requisitos para obtener servicios legales gratuitos de un programa de servicios legales sin fines de lucro. Puede encontrar estos grupos sin fines de lucre en el sitio web de California Legal Services, (www.lawhelpcalifornia.org), en el Centro de Ayuda de las Cortes de California, (www.courtinfo.ca.gov/selfhelp/espanol/) o poniendose en cantacto con la corte o el colegio de abagados locales. The name and address of the court is: (El nombre
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y direccion de la corte es): SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA County of Los Angeles, Northeast District, Alhambra Courthouse 150 West Commonwealth ALHAMBRA, CA 91801 The name, address, and telephone number of plaintiff's attorney, or plaintiff without an attorney, is: (El nombre, la dirección y el número de teléfono del abogado del demandante, o del demandante que no tiene abogado, es): Law Offices of S. Henslee Smith S. Henslee Smith (SBN 75060) 1578 North Batavia Street Orange, California 92867 Telephone: (213) 633-9081 Date (Fecha): 02/22/2012 E. TORRES, Deputy (Adjunto) NOTICE TO THE PERSON SERVED: N/A Published SANTA MONICA DAILY PRESS 10/17/12, 10/24/12, 10/31/12, 11/7/12
YOU ARE BEING SUED BY PLAINTIFF: (Lo Está Demandando El Demandante): California Joint Powers Insurance Authority
1405 Barry Ave. #1 1 Bdr. +1 Bath, 1 Car Garage & 1 vehicle parking space in front of garage. $1725
Some restrictions may apply.
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Notices
CASE NUMBER 12C01477 DATE: 06/11/2012 NOTICE TO DEFENDANT: (Aviso Al Demando): Yan Yan Lam; and Does 1 to 10
633 Indiana Ave. Venice 3 Bdr. + 1 Bath, $2550
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NOTICE OF APPLICATION TO SELL ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE(S) Date of Filing Application: 09/25/2012 To Whom it may concern: The Name(s) of the Applicant(s) is/are: OZUMO OCEAN AVE LLC The applicants listed above are applying to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to sell alcoholic beverages at: 1541-1551 OCEAN AVE, STE 120, 150, 160, SANTA MONICA, CA 90401-2104 Type of License(s) Applied for: 47ON-SALE GENERAL EATING PLACE Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control INGLEWOOD. SANTA MONICA DAILY PRESS
SUMMONS (CITACION Judicial)
11937 Foxboro Dr. 3Bd + 3Bth house in Brentwood. $4590 per month. No pets. Double garage. Hdwd floors. 2 fireplaces.
LIC# 888736
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CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING CONDITIONS: REGULAR RATE: $7.50 a day. Ads over 15 words add 30¢ per word per day. Ad must run a minimum of twelve consecutive days. PREMIUMS: First two words caps no charge. Bold words, italics, centered lines, etc. cost extra. Please call for rates. TYPOS: Check your ad the first day of publication. Sorry, we do not issue credit after an ad has run more than once. DEADLINES: 3:00 p.m. prior the day of publication except for Monday’s paper when the deadline is Friday at 2:30 p.m. PAYMENT: All private party ads must be pre-paid. We accept checks, credit cards, and of course cash. CORRESPONDENCE: To place your ad call our offices 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, (310) 458-7737; send a check or money order with ad copy to The Santa Monica Daily Press, P.O. Box 1380, Santa Monica, CA 90406. OTHER RATES: For information about the professional services directory or classified display ads, please call our office at (310) 458-7737.
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Published on Dec 3, 2013
The daily newspaper of record for the City of Santa Monica and surrounding areas.
